Halloween events go beyond trick-or-treat

Reporter-News photo by Nellie Doneva
Nathan McBride, left, and Hannah Capra rehearse a scene from Cooper High School's production of "Count Dracula." The play will be performed Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at the school.

Halloween arrives Wednesday, giving youngsters their annual chance to wear costumes and get candy, and for older folks to wear costumes and enjoy a night of spooks and chills.

Abilene city officials traditionally do not declare a trick-or-treating night. Usually, parents in Abilene send their kids into the neighborhood on Halloween night, but with the holiday landing on a Wednesday -- a popular church night in the city -- some neighbors may not be home. Parents, it's your call.

Here is a list of events that are on the calendar, including a chance to see young actors perform one of the most enduring scary stories ever written.

"Count Dracula" (thriller)

When: 8 p.m. Monday, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday

Where: Cooper High School, 3639 Sayles Blvd.

How much: $4 adults, $2 students/children, available at the door

What's going on: You may think you know the story of Count Dracula.

Sure, he still sucks blood. Sure, he's still creepy. But a lot of myths have gotten wrapped up in the story, Cooper High School senior Samuel Fish said -- myths that may be dispelled when Cooper presents "Count Dracula," a play by Ted Tiller that is based on the Bram Stoker novel "Dracula."

In the play, the mysterious count seems to have an unusual hold on a young woman named Nina. Nina's concerned finance Jonathan, a doctor and others try to figure out the mystery -- and what the blood-sucking count who can turn into a bat has to do with it in the scary thriller.

"We don't have any openly grotesque scenes, but there are moments that are dramatic where we create a nice tension," said sophomore Hannah Capra (Nina).

Senior Nathan McBride (Jonathan) said the technical crew is making full use of the school's new lighting system, creating flickering light effects ... that the count uses to great effect for his entrances and exits.

Actors in the play say they are enjoying the challenge of presenting melodramatic characters who lived in the early 20th century and who have a more formal way of speaking.

But don't count on any stodginess or stuffiness.

"Very rarely do we sit down for a long while," Fish said. "We try to make it a thriller and keep things moving."

Directed by teacher Tim Haynes, "Count Dracula" is Cooper's second play of the year.

What else is going on: Audiences who attend Monday's performance may come to Cooper early and enjoy a Fall Festival.

The event begins at 4 p.m., and will feature booths, games, a costume contest, food, and performances at 6:30 p.m. by the bands from Cooper and Madison and Clack middle schools.

• "Kick Up a Healthy Halloween," 5:30 p.m., Team Chip Tae Kwan Do, 2218 S. 14th St. At 7:30 p.m., visitors may trade a pound of candy for one week of free tae kwan do lessons (up to six free lessons). Candy collected will be sent to military personnel in Iraq.

• "The Changeling," 10 p.m., Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St. Some cities show "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Abilene shows the George C. Scott film "The Changeling," about a widowed composer who moves into a spooky house haunted by the ghost of a child (maybe ... just maybe ... it's his OWN child!). Audience interaction is encouraged. Rated R. $6.